Ace Hardware Corporation operates primarily as a wholesaler of hardware and related products. It also manufactures paint products. The company mainly sells products to hardware dealers who have Membership Agreements with it. These Membership Agreements allow the hardware dealers to purchase merchandise and services from Ace, and in most cases, to license one or more of the company’s trademarks. As of December 28, 2002, there were 4,909 stores having Membership Agreements with Ace. Members were mainly concentrated in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Michigan, and Georgia. Merchandise sold includes paint, cleaning, and related supplies; plumbing and heating supplies; hand and power tools; garden, rural equipment, and related supplies; electrical supplies; general hardware; and housewares and appliances. Ace operates retail hardware stores through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ace Corporate Stores, Inc. Another subsidiary, Ace Insurance Agency, Inc., offers a Group Dealer Insurance Program so that dealers can purchase different types of insurance coverage. This program offers ‘all risk’ property insurance and business interruption, crime, liability, and workers’ compensation insurance, in addition to medical insurance for store employees. Loss Prevention Services, Inc., another subsidiary of Ace, offers security training and other loss prevention services to dealers. The company’s competitors include WalMart, Home Depot, Menard's, Sears, Lowe's, TruServ Corporation, Do it Best Corporation, and United Hardware Distributing Co. In June 2003, Ace named J. Thomas Glenn to be chairman of the board.